We caught the local
bus for Fira, and for 2 euros each enjoyed the most spectacular views of the
island and the sea as it wound its way from one town to the next on the way
there. The people who live here are lucky to see such beauty every day,
but you have to remind yourself that the volcano is not extinct, it is merely
sleeping. It has not erupted for a very long time, but an earthquake here
in 1956 destroyed many towns and lives.

When we eventually
arrive in Fira, the main town of the island, we went first to the Museum of
Ancient Thira, which was fascinating. Here they exhibit finds from the
ancient town of Aktiri, only about 5% of which has been excavated. It is
like Pompeii in that the town was completely destroyed by lava, and as a result
it has been preserved, almost intact, for all this time. The museum has
wall paintings taken from the houses which are astounding.

The view from the
town over the caldera is just as breathtaking as from below, and makes one feel
tiny in comparison, which of course we are.

The town itself is
not so wonderful, as it is full-on touristy, and caters for visitors from the
numerous ferries and cruise ships. It is, however, possible to tolerate
this for the sake of the awesome beauty that surrounds it.